Benefits of Martial Arts Training For Kids by John Parke
Admit it. When the going gets tough at home, we’ve all plopped the kids in front of the television and breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, we can get started on dinner, maybe check email or sort that massive pile of laundry.
But when your five-year old yells at you “Mom, Kids Rule!” or your ten-year old horrifies you with language that would make a sailor blush, you realize there must be something amiss with what these “family programs” really teach our kids. And sadly, its happening all over the media today, from sports to cartoons, and our children are learning things that we, as parents, vowed we would never teach them. Old fashioned values like respect and self-discipline, seems to have been forgotten, replaced by the dreaded “bling bling” pop culture of today.
Just the thought of your angelic three-year old morphing into a designer-clad, smart-mouthed, money-worshipping, me-obsessed, lay-about is enough to make any parent consider that threatening military school brochure, but there is a solution out there to consider.
Martial Arts Training
From Ninja Turtles to The Karate Kid
You and your kids have all seen the flying kicks, battle cries and mighty chops of their favorite TV characters, as they beat the bad guys to submission – but, you may ask, how on earth can these acts of violence teach my child anything worthwhile?
First, know that what you see on television (save perhaps the Karate Kid) is a far cry from what real martial arts are all about. The fact is, martial arts training is based on non-violence.
Originating in Asia (mainly Japan, China and Korea, although Thailand and Vietnam have their own practices as well), martial arts range from a variety of types and styles, all of which are based on well-rounded, moral teachings. The beauty of learning martial arts is that it encompasses not just the physical aspect of the “sport”, but mental and emotional lessons as well.
Comparing that to other kid’s activities and sports, where fierce competitiveness and “winning at all costs” seems to be the order of the day, it’s not surprising that many children grapple with issues of self-esteem and misplaced aggression.
Now imagine your child actually learning valuable life lessons, skills that he will take throughout life, laying the foundation for a happy, well-adjusted and fulfilled adult life. If only karate for kids was popular in the 70’s, when I was growing up!
The Advantages
• Karate, and other martial arts for kids, builds confidence and self-esteem as well as self-discipline, respect, concentration and courtesy.
• Many martial arts schools also offer leadership courses for kids, in conjunction with their karate for kids programs, or similar lessons.
• Martial Arts is ideal for children who do not do well in team sports, giving them the ability to flourish this activity, while combining physical and mental practices.
• Many do not realize this, but it is a fact that martial arts training are safer than most school sports.
• Children with special needs, such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), learning difficulties and hyperactivity are often recommended to participate in martial arts for kids because of the clear benefits in its structured training techniques.
Kung-Fu Master or Ninja Warrior?
Before you sign up Junior for the first martial arts class you see, take some time to check out the different methods available, and match it with what you know would suit your child best. This is a good way to avoid any problems that may sprout from a conflict of your child’s personality and the training techniques.
Is your little Zach a sensitive soul? Then maybe a class that doesn’t center on sparring (full-on kicks and punches training) but rather, slower, defensive maneuvers would fare better for him. Kids with an aggressive streak, however, may prefer the more forceful moves and thrive in competitive sparring.
Here’s a quick primer on the kid-friendly martial arts training you’re likely to find:
Martial Arts From Japan
Karate
• Uses defensive and aggressive moves
• Centers on building strength and endurance
• Involves chops, punches, kicks, strikes, blocking and sparring
• May use weapons
Jujitsu
• Uses defensive and aggressive moves
• Involves lots of sparring
• Teaches a fair amount of weapons training
Aikido
• Uses a more “spiritual” and harmonious style in redirecting the aggression of the attacker as the form of defense, using throws, pins, rolls etc.
• Taught on the premise of disabling an aggressor without attacking, through your individual inner energy
• Does not involve sparring or competitions
Judo
• Uses gentle, “wrestling-like” movements
• Considered one of the safest methods of martial arts
• Emphasizes physical control as well as mental development
• Engages in competitions
Martial Arts From China
Kung-Fu
• The generic term referring to Chinese martial arts with a variety of styles
• Involves attack movements as well as defensive techniques
• Teaches kicks, punches, chops, throws, falls, grappling, katas, leg sweeps and blows among others.
• Engages in sparring competitions
Martial Arts From Korea
Taekwondo
• Competitive in nature, involves techniques using elaborate footwork and unique high kicks.
• Emphasizes strength, force and attack methods.
• Engages in lots of sparring and competitions.
Choosing The Right Instruction
If you have an idea of the type of martial arts class you’d like your child to participate in, the next step would be to find the right school. Finding the right class that not only matches your child’s and your needs, in terms of teachers you feel comfortable with, the price, facilities and so on, are all important factors.
Say you’ve found a local place that specializes in Karate for Kids. What are the things you should look for?
1. Good Instructors
Check out their qualifications, teaching methods and watch carefully how they interact with the other children. It should be a fun learning experience!
2. Space and Safety
Obviously you would want to entrust your child in as establishment that is safe, well-maintained, and clean with ample space as well as decent facilities and equipment.
3. School Values
Different martial arts schools inevitably go by different values, for instance, one kid’s karate class may handle aggression in one way, while a judo class would have a different approach. Take some time to observe which school’s ideals match your family’s principles.
4. Prices and Schedules
Prices for martial arts training can vary according to school and location, so make sure you the instruction you choose represents fair value. Finding the most effective way to fit martial arts training into your family’s lifestyle is also essential, knowing what works best with your schedule and other activities.
Baby Blackbelts
Starting your child young in karate training is ideal (children as young as the age of four are usually accepted, as it is also a good way to hone fine motor skills), and lots of parents have found that in as little as a year, their children who were involved in martial arts had noticeably gained positive traits such as increased self-esteem, respect and overall physical fitness.
Many parents also opt to join a martial arts training program themselves, making it a great bonding experience for the entire family.
For more information, please go to our site: http://www.LloydIrvin.com - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Maryland (BJJ) and Muay Thai Boxing Maryland, Virginia and DC’s own Lloyd Irvin is a Brazilan Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (GJJ) and Grappling Hall of Fame Inductee. He is now offering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Maryland and a FREE 30 Day Trial of his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Maryland (BJJ), Thai Kick Boxing , Maryland Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts program.
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
For a complete selection of Martial Arts gifts including martial arts t-shirts, tote bags, keychains, greeting and congratulations cards visit Lora Severson Photography/Martial Arts at Zazzle.com. Customize Martial Arts products with specific martial art sport, name, school or team name.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Martial Arts Benefits
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Turning a Photograph into a Poster
Do you have pictures at home that would make great posters? Because of my passion for martial arts, I have several martial arts themed pictures. These pictures make perfect motivational posters when a border and quote or inspirational phrase is added.
It is simple to do this at home with Photoshop.
First, open the picture to which you would like to add a border. I always make a duplicate copy to work on instead of the original.
Next, under the Image tab at the top click on Canvas Size. You will see what the current size measurements are and a box for the new size. In the new size, increase the width and height by how big you would like the border to be when finished. For example, if a picture is 8 x 10 and I wanted a 2 inch border, I would increase the size to 10 x 12.
You can change the color of the border to whatever compliments the photo and add text if you wish.
I have more examples of Motivational Martial Arts Posters which make perfect gifts for the martial artist. These martial arts posters are great for karate or tae kwon do. I also offer Abstract Fractal Arts Posters at Zazzle.com. While you are there, be sure to check out my new Earth Day Poster featuring a gorgeous nature photograph taken of the mountains in Lake Tahoe.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Simple Tips To Keep Your Tulips Looking Gorgeous
Tulips are from Holland, right? Not exactly. Tulips are actually from Turkey. Tulip means Turban in Turkish. Regardless of the origin of Tulips they are a beautiful flower that people of many backgrounds enjoy.
Experts would term tulips as perennials, however they are generally thought of as annuals. They can be termed annuals because of how you take care of them and their blooming cycle. Tulip bulbs should be planted around the end of October and beginning of November as any experienced gardener knows.
What type of soil is best for tulip bulbs? Sandy soil is the best option. Sandy soil helps with drainage from the tulip. Verify that you use a planter properly otherwise your tulips might not drain. If tulips don't drain properly then they can rot more easily.
If you do not have naturally sandy soil in the area where you live, it is fine to just add some sand and a little compost to your soil. Whatever you do, make sure that the soil is fairly dry when digging and planting bulbs.
There is no specific depth that the experts recommend you plant a tulip. This is due in large part to the fact that tulip bulbs come in a wide variety of sizes. For a rough idea of how deep to plant the bulbs, measure the length. Then, multiply that length by three and plant the bulbs at that depth. Although not an ideal solution, this rough idea will net you more tulips in the springtime than simply planting your bulbs at a uniform depth.
Tulips are great at warding off flower disease. However, they are not immune to everything. Usually you will see "tulip fire" which leaves the stems stunted and deformed. Brown patches will surface on the stunted stems and leaves. If this occurs then you need to completely get rid of the tulips and start again.
If you don't want to buy new bulbs every year you can dig up the tulip bulbs each season. Make sure that you keep them in a cool, dry place until you can plant them again. They can rot even when they are not in the ground. Therefore, proper storage is of the utmost importance. You should dig up your bulbs when the leaves and foliage are completely dry.
Tulips are a beautiful addition to any garden and the aroma is wonderful. If you cut tulips to display them make sure to add some sugar to the water. This will let the tulips live another week longer. Whether you enjoy tulips in the garden or on your kitchen table, they are a nice addition to your surroundings.
About the author: Hugo Bolzonello writes exclusively for US Tulips, it's one of the webs most up to date Tulips sites, while you're there sign up for the free newsletter.
Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com
Lora Severson Photography offers tulip photography like the photo above on a wide array of unique gifts and as fine art prints. From tulip greeting cards and calendars to coffee mugs and t-shirts and apparel, she's got it all. Visit her website www.LoraSeversonPhotography.com for some ideas for unique women's gifts and unique best friend gifts.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Easter White Daffodils
Many think of the Easter Lily when they think of Easter flowers. However, did you know that the Daffodil in springtime actually symbolizes a reawakening and rebirth. For this reason, I think it is a great Mascot of Easter.
When you are bringing flowers to a friend, always bring more than one daffodil; as only one daffodil is said to bring misfortune.
While looking for good fortune, it is also folklore that to avoid trampling on a bed of daffodils will bring good luck.
The date for Easter this year is March 23, 2008. This is calculated by the first full moon on or after March 21 every year.
Be ready with your Easter cards and gifts from Lora Severson Photography. These Easter cards featuring botanical photography all have coordinating postage stamps to create a great set.
This picture of a white daffodil in the morning sun is also available as a Fine Art Print through Imagekind.com. (without the text) New at Imagekind are greeting cards printed on high quality papers. A thoughtful gift for the flower lover in your life at Easter time!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Spring Tulip Garden
Spring and Easter will be upon us before you know it and with that I am showcasing my Roadside Spring Tulip Garden photograph. This picture of colorful tulips was taken along a rural roadside in Illinois. Every year I looked forward to the spring blooms but sadly, the road expanded this year to make a turning lane and all the tulip bulbs were dug up. Luckily the flower garden will live on in my photos.
I have designed this photograph and others similar to it into beautiful Easter Cards and different All Occasion Greeting Cards.
For the tulip or garden lover, I also offer this as a custom framed and matted Fine Art Print. Great for Mother's Day gifts also.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Red Bleeding Hearts for Valentine's Day
into this black and white photo with red tinted heart flowers. And I am going to tell you how to do it in Photoshop.
- I always start by making a copy of my original so in case I make a mistake, I always have a back-up.
- Next, with the magic wand tool, I outline all the red flowers or whatever I want to tint. Take your time with this part to get all areas you want selected. It can be tedious, but it pays off in the end.
- Once the flowers are selected, invert the selection and desaturate the background. This will leave the flowers red and turn the background to black and white. If you didn't get your original selection right, then invert again and touch up any areas you need to and repeat process.
I have designed this photograph into Floral Valentine's Day Cards and Gifts
on my Zazzle.com store. As always, a complete overview of my photography work can be found at www.LoraSeversonPhotography.com
